Do you know what is perfect for a rainy day? A play date? A sick day? A just-about-an-anything day? Homemade musical instruments!!
I tell ya – if you are just not sure what to do with the little ones, making a homemade musical instrument band is always the answer. So much fun and amazing memories to create as well.
I originally wrote this post on DIY musical instruments a few years ago, so I thought I would share it again – as it really is a classic kids activity. I hope you like it!
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With the weather turning chilly, we are finding ourselves inside more often. More indoor play, reading, art, and far more crafting too. In fact, I am trying very hard to pick up knitting once again (and when I say once again, I mean from when I was about 8 years old). I have successfully knitted 2 hats (and unsuccessfully knitted a ton of other ‘things’).
Our Quiet Bins are in full swing now, helping my little ones settle into peaceful days. And now A Year of Educational Quiet Bins is available on Amazon! (affiliate)
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The kids have also found themselves creating a lot more. And, knew to us, has been a lot of crafting homemade musical instruments. The boys have always loved to dance (or run with their arms flailing) to music, but have only just begun to show an interest in creating the music themselves.
With a looooonnnng winter ahead, I thought it would be a good idea to stock up on some ideas for homemade musical instruments. And well, I kinda got carried away …. So I bring you:
42 Splendidly Creative Homemade Musical Instruments!
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Rhythmic Shaker – this was the activity that started the fascination with DIY musical instruments for my boys. A classic really, but with a neat twist.
Kalimba Musical Instrument by Herding Cats George – A paper plate (and we all know my love for a good paper plate craft!) and some popsicle sticks make this craft perfect for using what you have on hand!
Nutshell Musical Instrument by Artists Helping Children – now this is an easy homemade instrument! A nutshell, rubber band, and a stick is all your little one needs to get rocking.
Rainstick by FSPDT – I used a rainstick in my Kindergarten classroom as a way of getting little ones attention and preparing them for transitions – but it also makes a unique homemade musical instrument!
Noisemakers also by FSPDT – sometimes it is the simplest of things that spark the most creativity in my little ones – these simple shakers are great musical instruments!
Rainbow Xylophone by And Next Comes L – Nothing quite as inviting as playing with rainbow colours on a dull winters day! This craft will be tucked safely up my sleeve until February I do believe (do you remember me whining about February last year?)
Steel Drums by Sugar Aunts – this post is all about a Rockin’ Drum Birthday Party – loads of ideas for homemade drums and more!
Wooden Xylophone by In Lieu of Preschool – What a neat idea! I love the trick of using colours to help teach little ones to play music.
Rainbow Water Xylophone by Still Playing School – another classic homemade musical instrument with a twist! What a neat idea to add some food colouring … and a light table!
Pin Strummer by Piikea – This one was new to me – but looks so simple, interesting, and inviting I can’t wait to give it a try (or should I say a DIY) with my kids.
Bop-o-phone by My Musical Magic – Homemade musical instruments in general are great to brighten dull days, this bop-o-phone looks like it brighten even the darkest, greyest of winter days!
Sensory Bin Shakers by Fun-a-day – such a lovely way to extend on a sensory bin.
Matchbox Guitar by Martha Stewart – incredible homemade musical instruments AND fantastic for fine motor skill development. Can’t beat it! (Really, you can’t – you are suppose to strum it)
Pot Bell by Play, Sing, Laugh – we have a few terra cotta pots left over from the summer that could be put to good musical use this winter.
Cup Drum also by Play, Sing, Laugh – this one will be a neat one to try. Also great for developing a pincer grip.
Tubaphone ALSO by Play, Sing, Laugh – well, just look at it!! I am surprised I am still sitting here writing and not creating one of these myself right now!
Melody Pole by Timotay Playscapes – Because even in the winter, we will be outside everyday!
Disc Cymbals by Happy Hooligans – so simple, fun, and creative! And I bet they are a nice quieter alternative to some homemade cymbals.
Balloon Bongo Drums by Kids Activities Blog – such a neat idea to use balloons for the drum surface!
Wrench Xylophone by De Tout et De Rien – this has my Sammy’s name written all over it. I will have to wait for a weekend when our wrenches will not be needed for awhile. I have a feeling after we make this we won’t be able to wrench (?) for a few weeks.
Paper Plate Tambourine by She Knows – A classic activity with some weaving too – a great way to practice fine motor skills while creating homemade instruments! A paper plate, some jingle bells and yarn or string are all you need.
Jingle Bells by Chasing Cheerios – such a lovely musical instrument for little musicians!
Den Den Drums by Learning 4 Kids – I had never thought to use a wooden spoon for a drum – such simple creativity!
French Horn by Savvy Homemade – bet you have never seen a french horn quite like this one! For us, it will require some supplies we don’t have at home – like a funnel and corrugated pipe – but it just might be worth the trip!
Chicken in a Cup by All for the Boys – learn something new every day, right?
Ankle Bells by Mini Eco – I think that this knitted project is just what my daughter Madeline has been looking for to create homemade Christmas gifts for her brothers! The colorful yarn is gorgeous too.
Fancy Egg Shakers by Mama Smiles – we love this classic homemade musical instrument for kids.
DIY Rain Sticks by The Imagination Tree – My little ones would love creating this version of a rain stick.
Maracas by What’s up Fagans – What a simple, creative idea!
Whisk Maracas by ALLterNATIVE Learning – I love that you can make this for your little ones in a matter of moments, perfect for in the kitchen when making dinner too.
Cardboard Rattle Drum by Pink Stripey Socks – this is a neat instrument for preschoolers to explore.
DIY Didgeridoo by Two-daloo – Because some days you just need to make a Didgeridoo.
Coconut Shell Instruments by Two-daloo – This one is such a unique idea! What a fun way to explore sound.
Aboriginal Clapping Sticks by Laughing Kids Learn – a wonderful homemade instrument to practice rhythm and beat.
Banging Wall by SouleMama – such a lovely, open-ended invitation to create music, from my favourite blogger of all time!
DIY Strummies by Teach Preschool – some rubber bands, a box, some creativity, and you are good to go! This activity was an extension to a book – a really neat one, too!
Singing Straws by Krokotak – now this one looks awesome.
Popsicle Stick Harmonica by Housing a Forest – this homemade musical instrument we have already tried, and it is the ideal blend of simplicity and fun! Just grab some colored popsicle sticks and rubber bands, and you’re set.
DIY Wooden Instruments by Hello Bee – these are perhaps more adult made, but simply gorgeous – and durable too.
Jingle Bell Ankle Bracelets by Twodaloo – put these little gems – made with painted wooden beads and jingle bells – on your ankle and just TRY to walk normally 🙂
Baby Guitar by House of Burke – starring Rockstar baby Kingston and supplies you already have!
Cardboard Guiro by Tiny Tapping Toes – I simply love how big this musical instrument is! Perfect for little ones who need to burn off some energy (also known as my kids … always)
Those are enough homemade musical instruments to keep us busy all winter — and hopefully for you and yours too!
Here’s hoping Mama doesn’t get a headache!
A whole year of independence, focus building, and learning. Be sure to check out my eBook/Book: A Year of Educational Quiet Bins: The secret to peaceful days at home with kids.
You might also like:
Teaching kids to STOP and THINK before dealing with problems
The best no-cook Playdough Recipe
43 Quiet Time Activities for 2 Year Olds
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Using old wrenches like that seems really cool. I have a few spares laying around I can use. How would broken ones work, or do they have to be new?
Interesting question – I haven’t tried with broken wrenches but I think if you played with the positioning you would be okay. Let me know if you try!
IT DOES NOT WORK AT ALL WITH BROKEN WRENCHES!!!
Eeek – really good to know. Thanks for sharing!
What a great round up. My little boy is pretty much obsessed with making anything a musical instrument. he loves to make noise and especially loves playing with anything musical. These homemade instruments are quick and easy to make and based on simple recycled materials. My toddler is going to love these!. Thanks for sharing..
So glad they are helpful ideas for you and yours Samuel. Thank you for taking the time to let me know!
I just saw (and pinned) Baby Guitar on Pinterest and wanted to tell you how much I love it! What a clever idea, and so simple!